Check - If you think you have received an HMRC related phishing/bogus email or text message, you can check it against the examples shown in this guide.

Contact HMRC directly - You can find the list of genuine numbers to call HMRC here.

A spokeswoman for HMRC said it was aware of the scam, with the elderly and vulnerable people generally the target.

She said: "They often involve people receiving a call out of the blue and being told that HMRC is investigating them. If you can’t verify the identity of the caller, we recommend that you do not speak to them.

"HMRC will call people about outstanding tax bills, and sometimes use automated messages, however it would include your taxpayer reference number.

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"If you are uncertain of the caller, hang up and call HMRC directly to check – you can confirm our call centre numbers online if you are unsure.

Victims have lost an average of £1,150 due to the scam - which sees crooks cold-calling and telling them they owe HMRC large amounts of money which they can pay-off through digital vouchers and gift cards.

Phishing scamster admits making up to £100k conning Brits out of their money on Channel 5 show 'Undercover: Nailing the Fraudsters'

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